THE Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Tondo (Tondo Church) yesterday said a group of half-naked men dancing supposedly during the “Lakbayaw 2024” in Tondo, as shown in a viral video, is not associated with the church.
“The actions of the groups that did this are not in accordance with the goal of Lakbayaw and in showing their devotion to the Santo Niño,” Tondo Church rector Msgr. Geronimo Reyes said in a statement.
“It is clear that the attention of the devotees and the faithful, which should be centered on the Santo Niño, are being taken away by these individuals. Their actions cannot be associated with Lakbayaw,” he added.
Reyes stressed the dancing men are not in any way associated with the Tondo Church.
“This video of half-naked men dancing that has gone viral on social media are not related to the church, and will never be allowed as part of the celebration of our feast day,” said Reyes.
“This group is not among those that registered with our parish to join the Lakbayaw,” he added.
The viral video posted by one Angge Yacsub had the caption of “Lakbayaw 2024” and “Happy Fiesta Tondo.”